Welcome to Day 10 of the Stacking Balance Challenge, if you’re new and want to start at the beginning, click here! Today’s micro-shift is something so simple, yet wildly effective: choosing to smile and laugh more.

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Why Smiling & Laughing Matters

Life is busy—there’s no doubt about it. The to-do list never ends, the kids are melting down, and the dishwasher just broke again. But here’s the thing: humor is one of the greatest tools we have to shift stress into joy.

Did you know that smiling can literally change your brain chemistry? Even when you don’t feel like it, a simple smile triggers dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins—the same feel-good chemicals released when you exercise! Studies from Loma Linda University even found that people who laugh daily experience lower stress, better memory, and stronger immune systems.

Now, here’s a shocking stat: kids laugh around 300 times a day, while adults laugh only about 15 times. Let’s change that today with a micro-shift!

Your Challenge: Choosing to Smile & Laugh On Purpose

Your mission today is to find three moments to smile and laugh intentionally. Here are some simple ways to make it happen:

✔ Watch something funny. A comedy special, silly YouTube videos, or those ridiculous animal clips—whatever makes you giggle.
✔ Choose humor over frustration. When something goes sideways, laugh instead of getting annoyed. Try pretending you’re in a sitcom with a laugh track behind you!
✔ Smile at strangers. See how many people you can get to smile back—it’s contagious!
✔ Laugh with your kids or partner. Play a game where you try to keep a straight face and see who cracks first.
✔ Reframe the moment. Instead of losing your mind over spilled milk, pretend it’s part of a comedy scene and laugh it off.

The Science Behind Laughter

Laughter isn’t just about fun—it’s about well-being.

🔹 Reduces stress & cortisol levels (just like previous micro-shifts!)
🔹 Lowers blood pressure & improves circulation
🔹 Boosts resilience—the more you laugh, the easier it is to bounce back from challenges
🔹 Helps you think more clearly & feel lighter overall

By being intentional, you’ll start to notice small moments that bring you joy and actually let yourself enjoy them.

Make It Stick

📱 Text your accountability pod and share what made you laugh today!
📥 Grab the free resource pack at 21.balancingbusy.com to help you create a happier, more balanced life.
🎯 Make it a habit. Try setting a laughter goal like watching one funny show per week or smiling at five strangers daily.

Join the Stacking Balance Challenge & Stay Accountable

📩 Step 1: Listen to Episode 143 → Click here
💬 Step 2: Text your Accountability Pod → “What got you laugh today? I ___________________.”
📥 Step 3: Download the free Stacking Balance Workbook → Grab it here

Life will always throw frustrating moments your way—but you get to choose how you respond. A smile is a small, intentional shift that leads to a lighter, more joyful life.

See you tomorrow for Day 11, where we’ll declutter to make space for more peace!

Related Podcast Episodes to Keep You Smiling

🎙 Ep. 71 → Mastering the Midday Slump: 8 Tips to Boost Your Productivity Now
🎙 Ep. 133 → How to Have a Happy Marriage: 10 Timeless Tips That Still Work